**Iglesia Betania: When faith and politics intertwine at the heart of a Hispanic community**
In the affluent neighborhood of Reading, Pennsylvania, the Betania church, led by Pastor Tony Perez, is a reflection of a growing sociopolitical phenomenon in the United States: the push of Hispanic voters toward conservatism. This change is not only a question of electoral choice, but illustrates a complex dynamic where religion, traditional values, and economic challenges are drawing a new political map.
### A Church at the heart of an electoral wave
In 2020, the Hispanic vote for Donald Trump surprised many analysts, particularly because of the criteria often considered incompatible with the traditional opinions of Hispanics on social issues. Indeed, despite the controversies surrounding his person, Trump managed to seduce approximately 35% of Latino voters in Reading. This figure, while small on its face, marks a significant increase from 2016. According to a study conducted by Edison Research, the trend is confirmed nationally: the proportion of support for Trump among Hispanic voters increased from 32% to 46% between 2020 and 2024, a change that raises many questions about the evolution of the priorities of this community.
### Faith as an electoral compass
Within the Betania church, the line between religious convictions and political choices is thin. Pastor Perez illustrates this amalgamation well. For him, traditional values – the defense of life, opposition to abortion and euthanasia, as well as the rejection of gender ideology – are foundations on which his congregants build their vision of the world and their electoral choices. This dynamic is all the more visible in a context where many, within the community, perceive left-wing policies as an affront to their beliefs.
Michael Rivera, Berk County’s first Hispanic representative, points out that faith and spiritual values are at the heart of Hispanic identity. This intrinsic connection between spirituality and politics has the potential to redefine the electoral landscape in the United States. Hispanic voters’ growing adherence to conservative values may reflect a need for identity affirmation in an often polarized political environment.
### Economic issues shaping the electorate
The economic situation of the Hispanic community in Reading is also worth examining. With a steadily rising poverty rate and soaring inflation, many Hispanic families have been hurt by the economic crisis. The cost of living has skyrocketed, creating wrenching choices between daily necessities. Faced with this precariousness, Donald Trump’s economic program, focused on tax cuts and support for entrepreneurs, resonates favorably with Hispanics, who are eager to preserve their economic security.
In addition, the increase in the cost of housing in cities like Reading draws attention to the vulnerability of this community, which is often plagued by precarious housing situations. A study conducted by the United States Census Bureau shows that nearly 80% of Hispanics living in urban areas own their homes, which makes them particularly sensitive to tax policies and housing accessibility.
### A dual identity
The existence of a conservative evangelical church and a neighboring LGBT+ community illustrates a society with multiple and sometimes conflicting values. The Betania church, by positioning itself firmly on traditional values, only highlights once again the important divide that exists in American society in terms of identity and rights. While some advocate openness, others, like Pastor Perez, see this inclusiveness as a threat to traditional family values.
This phenomenon of cultural and religious duality in Reading could also be compared to other American regions, where identity dynamics require redefinition. Within the Democrats, there is a pressing need to better understand and adapt their discourse on both cultural and economic issues to appeal to this growing share of the Hispanic electorate.
### Conclusion: Towards a new electoral era
The Betania Church is not simply a place of worship, but also a revealing observatory of profound changes in American society. The transformation of the Hispanic vote in favor of conservatism is symptomatic of a need for belonging and security in a changing world. Hispanic voters, while torn between traditional values and new economic challenges, show that their voice deserves to be heard. As dynamics evolve, it is essential for policy actors to skillfully navigate this complex landscape to engage in inclusive and meaningful dialogue with this diverse community.